Secret 1

Ruwach to the Prince Warriors:
“Ahoratos is the real world,” he said. “And here, you are who you’re always supposed to be. You are Prince Warriors.”
“The world you live in day to day—that world is but a shadow of the Real World. This is the world where the battles rage, where your real enemy lies.”
“The enemy will do everything in his power to distract you, to discourage you, to delay you, to defeat you. He is always near in Ahoratos. This is his dwelling place. The evidence of his schemes is much more apparent in Ahoratos than it is on earth…”

MEANING:            
Ahoratos means “unseen” in Greek. In the Prince Warrior series, it is the name of the unseen realm in which the Warriors must learn to wage war and claim their victories against a very real enemy who lives there. Even though they cannot see Ahoratos when they are on earth, it is a place they cannot ignore if they want to survive the problems they are facing on earth.

The truth is, there really is an unseen realm called “heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12) and you, Warrior, are to wage war knowing that this world includes the unseen realm and that you wage war both in the seen and unseen realms at the same time. There is an enemy who hopes you’ll ignore the unseen realm and his schemes to defeat you. This way, he can continue to take advantage you. But starting today, you can take Ruwach’s advice and remember that the unseen world is real and that you can have victory there.

Secret 2

Ruwach to the Prince Warriors:
“You must be properly equipped before you can go further.”
“When you come to Ahoratos, you must put on your armor as quickly as possible. You cannot be here without it.”
“You will never have victory in Ahoratos unless you are equipped…”

MEANING:            
Your enemy, the devil, will always try to defeat you, discourage you, and deceive you unless you have on armor that can protect you against his strategies. Only the armor that you have been given by God can enable you to stand firm against his attacks in your life and even advance against him to claim victory. These things defeat the enemy every single time: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, God’s Word, Prayer.

Secret 3

Ruwach to the Prince Warriors:
“…Which is why you must be properly equipped when you are in this realm. The victory you achieve here will determine the outcome of the battles you face there.”
“Belt first.”
“The armor must be received. I must give it to you, then it is your responsibility to put it on and use it…”
“The belt holds everything together.”
“You have everything you need,” said Ruwach finally.

MEANING:            
The first piece of armor that Ruwach gives the Prince Warriors is the belt. They aren’t impressed at first because it doesn’t seem to be much of anything. But, it turns out to be one of the most critical pieces of armor they can use to battle Poneros.            

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul says that truth is “like a belt around your waist.” It’s the thing that holds everything together. When you choose to tell the truth and to allow God’s truth to be the compass for your life, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance of deceiving you. You beat him before the battle has really even begun.

Secret 4

Ruwach moved toward them. “Remember, these three pieces you must wear at all times when in Ahoratos. Do you understand?”

MEANING:            
Of the seven pieces of armor, three of them are to be worn at all times without question. Truth, Righteousness, and Peace are like a baseball player’s uniform. It doesn’t matter if the player is in the outfield or up to bat; He wears the same uniform. He might need a mitt in one place and his bat in the other place, or a cap in the outfield and a helmet when he’s at the plate, but he never changes his uniform.            

Truth, Righteousness, and Peace make up the uniform that Prince Warriors are always to wear.

Secret 5

“Battles in Ahoratos do not look the same as battles on earth, therefore they cannot be fought the same,” Ruwach said.

MEANING:            
On earth, we tend to fight our battles using our words, fists, or other earthly means. But because this battle is taking place in another realm, only weapons that work in that realm will be effective. Money, fighting, revenge—those things don’t have any effect on the enemy. In order to be victorious, you have to use the weapons that God has given you to fight and win.

Secret 1

Ruwach to the Warriors:            
“The Water is there. It is always there. Call [to] them. Show them the way.” 
“Call to them. Time is running out.”

MEANING:
Ruwach tells the Warriors to call out to Levi and Brianna so that they may find their way to The Water. Sometimes, the encouragement of others helps people realize that they need what Jesus has to offer. Remember, a real friend will always invite someone to the cleansing power of Jesus. Who do you need to point to “The Water?”

Secret 2

Ruwach: “Do not fear. I can bring The Water to her.” Then Ruwach waved his arms and—moved The Water. “She must come through on her own,” said Ruwach calmly. “Others can call her, and I can make it accessible for her, but she must make the choice on her own.”

MEANING:            
Even if you invite someone to receive Christ’s forgiveness, in the end, only God’s Spirit can make it accessible to that person and stir a desire within them to receive it.

Secret 3

“There is no sand on you, Princess,” said another voice, a very deep, resonant voice that echoed all around her. “The Water has made you clean.”

MEANING:            
When Brianna comes into The Cave for the very first time, she is surprised to find that there is no sand on her—even though she was just in a sandstorm. That’s because the cleansing of The Water is thorough and comprehensive. This is the same way that the forgiveness of God acts in your life. No matter what you’ve been through, what you’ve done, or where you’ve been, the cleansing power of God can wash away every single stain. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

Secret 1

“This is The Book,” said Ruwach. “It was written by the Source. It provides you with your instruction, which will help you stand against the enemy.”

MEANING:            
In the story, The Book is symbolic of The Bible. In your life, the Bible is the codebook for living that will help you to understand how to live in a way that honors God and also how to defeat the enemy.

Secret 2

Conversation between Ruwach and Brianna:
[The Book was] Like a code, mysteriously scrambled. “Is that some new language?” Brianna asked. “This Book is different from any other. It cannot simply be read, it must be revealed. You may not understand the revelation at first, but if you keep it close, you will soon see its meaning.

MEANING:            
Sometimes, like with the kids in the story, the Bible can be difficult to understand. But the job of the Holy Spirit in your life is to reveal to you what it means and make it plain for you. No matter how difficult some parts of the Bible may be to understand for you, keep reading it. With the help of some older, wiser people in your life and the Holy Spirit who lives in you, it will become clear.

Secret 3

Ruwach said, “Each instruction you receive from The Book will be stored here.”

MEANING:            
In the story, the words from The Book, revealed by Ruwach to the Warriors, are not just read to them; They actually receive the words.

God’s Word is meant to live in you—it needs to become a part of your daily life. You need to hide it in your heart, memorize it, and allow it to inform and transform your thinking and actions. The more of God’s Word you have in your heart, the more equipped you will be to live righteously.

Secret 1

When Xavier went down the path that his breastplate directed, he found himself in the storm, but he wasn’t really affected by it. He found himself in a protective bubble that kept him from suffocating in the sand.

MEANING:
Sometimes God will call you into a storm, but He will always provide protection for you while you are in it. If He is with you, you have no reason to be afraid.

There is a story in the Bible of three young men named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These friends ended up getting thrown into a furnace. It was so hot that the men who threw them in were burned alive. Even though God allowed them to be thrown in, they were not burned. In fact, they didn’t even smell like smoke. God protected them. (Daniel 3:26–27)

Secret 2

Xavier’s breastplate gives him just enough light for the next step as he walks through the storm.

MEANING:
This is often the way that God’s Word leads us—step by step. Walking by faith means that you do what you know to be the right thing for today, for this hour, and in this moment. Trust that God will give you details about the next step when it is time to take it.

Secret 3

In order to go the right way, Xavier has to go alone.

MEANING:
Sometimes, following God means that, like Xavier, you’ll have to peel away from your friends and have the courage to stand alone. This is not easy, but having the “protective bubble” of God’s grace and favor over you will make your choice worth it. What has God asked you to do? No matter who else is or isn’t going to do it with you, obey God.

Secret 4

Evan is disappointed that their circumstances don’t look like the kind of battles he was expecting. He wanted the kind that he’d watched on earth, yet the real battle he was being called to face wasn’t like that at all.

MEANING:
2 Corinthians 10:3 says although we live in the world, we do not fight like the world does. Our battles are different. They are waged in the unseen realm, using “weapons… that are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds.” It is a waste of time to use physical weapons on problems that find their roots in the unseen realm.

Secret 1

When Evan and Brianna spot Xavier by the edge of a brook of water, they are just as happy to see the water as they are to see him! They are thirsty and begin to drink it. It looks like fresh water, but in the end they’ll discover that it lulls them to sleep.

MEANING:
Every human being is born with an internal “thirst” that the enemy will try to quench for you. He’ll want you to satiate your desires with anything and everything other than with the One who can satisfy it. And then, he will make your senses dull and lazy so that you won’t be aware of a trap that he may be setting for you. Listen to how Ruwach describes the enemy’s tactics to the Prince Warriors of Ahoratos: “An enemy who will use any means to distract you, to discourage you, to delay you, to defeat you.”

That is true for all of us in regards to our enemy. Be on your guard so that you may recognize the schemes of Satan.

Secret 2

The Warriors of Ahoratos are taught by Ruwach and through their experiences that the belt is designed to hold everything together.

MEANING:
In Ephesians 6:14, truth is associated with a soldier’s belt. When you anchor yourself with the truth of God’s Word and let it be the compass that directs your life, you will find that it holds your life together and keeps you from buckling under pressure.

Remember, just going to church or learning the Bible doesn’t hold you together. Those things help, but only those who let the truth of God govern and direct their choices, ideals, and purpose will find themselves strong and anchored.

The book of Ephesians also tells us that we are not only supposed to live according to the Truth, we are also to speak it to those around us.

Look up these verses:

• Ephesians 4:15
• Ephesians 4:25

Honesty really is the best policy after all. In your friendships and with your family members, tell the truth. It might sometimes feel difficult to do, but when you do it, you will find that ultimately it keeps your relationships healthy and in tact.

Secret 1

Mr. J. Ar to Levi: “But that’s the wonderful thing about being a Prince Warrior of Ahoratos. Even when you mess up, you can be forgiven.”

MEANING:
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This means that no matter what we have done or how badly we have messed up, we can always be forgiven and made whole again. Nothing has happened in your life or mine that God’s grace and healing power cannot cover.

Secret 2

When Levi misplaces his boots, he thinks that they are lost forever. Instead, Ruwach tells him, “They were never lost. You just lost sight of them. . . .”

MEANING:
The peace of God (the boots) is a gift that you receive the moment you place faith in Jesus and become a Prince Warrior. Even when you mishandle it or neglect it, God Himself sustains it. Now, this doesn’t mean that you will always receive the benefits of it. This depends on whether or not you are handling it responsibly. But, the good news is that, just like Levi’s boots, God’s mercy restores things to us even when we do not deserve it.

Secret 3

Ruwach touching Levi’s metal fingers: “Thank you,” he said. He touched each one of his fingertips. But there remained a small, metal knob on the tip of one finger, where the butterfly had bit him. “As a reminder,” Ruwach said, withdrawing his arm.

MEANING:
Sometimes, after we have disobeyed God or experienced a difficult season, a scar remains. And scars are actually a gift—a reminder of where you’ve been and encouragement to stay focused on where you are going. When God forgives us, He does so completely. And yet, He will often allow a scar to remain, as a testimony of His work in our lives.

Paul, the same guy who wrote about the armor of God in Ephesians 6, also talked about this in 2 Corinthians, chapter 12. He said that the Lord allowed a specific area of difficulty in his life “so that I would not exalt myself”—to give him a constant reminder of his need for the power of God.

Secret 4

Ruwach to the Prince Warriors: “Ponéros knows his time is short. But he still hasn’t given up his quest. He’s recruited many to his cause. He has taken many prisoners, ruined many lives.”

MEANING:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:4. The devil is not an eternal being. Only the one true God is eternal. Satan is a created being who is running out of time. In fact, the closer we get to the end of time, the more intent he is on destroying lives and even entire nations. He wants to keep people from knowing the liberating power of Jesus so that they can continue to be enslaved to his lies and deceptions. He hopes that they won’t know that they’ve been tricked until it is too late.

Secret 5

Ruwach to Levi: “Sometimes your worst enemy . . . is yourself.”

MEANING:
Jeremiah 17:9 says that our own heart can deceive us. Sometimes, that means that if we follow our own heart, we are led down a path that ends in despair and greater pain. The truth is that our desires, rationale, and tendencies can lead us astray. If we follow the way we feel and think instead of following God’s truth, it can lead to disaster. The enemy knows this and tries to take advantage by planting lies and suggestions that are contrary to God’s Word. He hopes that we will trust ourselves. But sometimes—a lot of times—we can be our own worst enemy if we “rely on [our] own understanding” (Prov. 3:5) instead of acknowledging God’s way as the best way.

Secret 6

Ruwach to the Prince Warriors: “For every victory won here, there is one experienced there—on earth.”

MEANING:
When we wear our spiritual armor and secure a victory against the unseen enemy, that victory translates to our experiences in everyday life. When we choose truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and God’s Word as a way of life, the enemy’s intentions in our everyday experiences are thwarted. We will start to see proof of this in our relationships, our homes, our minds, and in every aspect of our lives that are important to us. So never think that waging this unseen battle is a waste of time. When you win a victory there, you will feel the victory here.

Secret 7

Ruwach to the Prince Warriors: “Remember, you have everything you need.”

MEANING:
Ruwach reminds the Prince Warriors of this fact over and over again, despite how difficult their battles are and the fact that Ponéros seems to want to keep them from having the contents of their locked rooms.

This is the same thing that we need to be reminded of as well. One of the greatest deceptions of the enemy is to get you to think you don’t have everything that you need right now to defeat him and experience victory. He wants you constantly looking for something more or wishing you had something else—or that you were somebody else. But Ephesians 1:3 says that you have been given all spiritual blessings. You hear that? ALL! Everything you need, you already have!

Secret 1

After learning an important, though difficult, lesson in Ahoratos, Levi had this thought as he watched Landon bullying Manuel:“Wide is the gate that leads to destruction.” He knew what it meant now: the right way is not always the easy way.

MEANING:
Read Matthew 7:14. Many people choose the wrong path. That is why the path is wide. There is room for a lot of people on it. But the right way is a lot narrower because there are not as many who are filled with the bravery of God’s Spirit to walk this way. Levi made the right choice. Will you?

Secret 2

When Levi stepped forward to stand up against Landon, one by one, more kids joined him, forming a circle of protection around Manuel.

MEANING:
Everyone is waiting for someone to be the first one to step forward and do the right thing. When they see an example of strength and courage, it becomes contagious and encourages them to do the same thing. When you choose to do the right thing, others will join you! Don’t wait for someone else. God has chosen you, warrior, to be the first one—the leader!

Secret 1

“See the red color?” Xavier said. “I saw that when Evan went into The Water the first time. I think it means she made it to The Cave. She’s safe.”

MEANING:
When one of the warriors slips into The Water, a tinge of red ripples across The Water’s surface. This is symbolic of the blood of Jesus Christ—which washes and cleanses anyone who chooses to receive it.

Secret 2

“Belt first.” Ruwach removed the belt from the stand and handed it to Manuel. “Always, belt first.”

MEANING:
In ancient times, Roman soldiers always put on their belts first. It was the stabilizing factor for every other piece of armor. The belt—which represents truth—is always the first line of defense for every warrior who has any hope of standing firm against his or her enemy.

Secret 3

“So is Rook a king there now?” Levi asked.
“Far from it. He is a prisoner, held in the dungeon in the Fortress of Chaós. He realized the mistake he has made and now begs for his release.”

MEANING:
The enemy deceived Rook, causing him to believe that doing something dishonorable would help him to achieve success and position. Instead, Rook found himself enslaved and without hope. The devil operates the same way in our lives. He wants to deceive us into thinking that his way will be better in the long run, but it never is. Whenever you feel compelled to lie, cheat, be unkind, steal, disobey your parent or teachers, or do something else that you know the enemy is encouraging you to do, remember that it won’t end well for you. It never does. John 8:44 says, “He [Satan] is a liar and the father of lies.” Following the enemy will always lead to a lack of freedom, joy, and hope.

Secret 4

Ruwach’s hood nodded slowly. “You wear the shoes of peace. To bring the good news to the prisoners who need to be set free. And, every prisoner should have the chance to experience freedom.”

MEANING:
Read Isaiah 52:7. The image that the prophet Isaiah paints is not the image of someone standing still, passing the time, waiting for the right opportunity to get up and go. No, he is running toward Jerusalem, eager to share the good news message. His feet are described as beautiful and lovely. And, they’re definitely in motion. These feet carry a message of salvation and hope to all people. The messenger is alert and ready, prepared to go declare peace to everyone he can. You, warrior, are a messenger of the good news to your friends and other people whom the Lord brings into your life. Read Ephesians 6:15. Your feet are to be “sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.”

Secret 5

The message that the Prince Warriors needed to remember in order to victoriously cross the bridge and keep from falling into the chasm was: Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

MEANING:
The Warriors are reminded of this important principle again and again as they deal with the Ents while crossing the bridge toward Skotos. When they faced the big chasm and were not sure how to cross it, the words beamed out and floated in the air before them: Look straight ahead. Fix your eyes on what is before you. Brianna began to lose her footing when she was distracted by the Ents—which was the exact intention of her enemy.

The enemy wants to distract you so that you will lose focus on Jesus. He knows that when you take your eyes off of Jesus you won’t be able to succeed.

In Matthew 14, a disciple named Peter was walking on water—which is already an impossible task—but he was still able to accomplish it as long as he focused on Jesus. When the winds and the waves diverted his attention away from Jesus, he started to sink.

This often happens to us. Sometimes, the busyness of life or the enemy’s sinister diversions can steer you away from your God, His Word, and His destiny for you.

Hebrews 12:1–2 says, “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith . . . .”

Secret 6

Another instruction for the Prince Warriors: “Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.”

MEANING:
Read Psalm 119. God’s Word is the key to victory. The more you know it, treasure it, and hide it in your heart, the less opportunity the enemy will have to take advantage of you; and the more clearly you will be able to hear God’s instruction to you.

Secret 1

When the children approach Skotos, they see the marks that always distinguish Ponéros—chaos, confusion, and deception.

MEANING:
James 3:16 says, “For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. ” Those things are marks of the devil’s work. When you see chaos (or jealously, envy, pride, anger, division, and deception) swirling around in your relationships or environments, know that he is at work. It is time to put your armor on and stand firm!

Secret 2

Once freed, always free.

MEANING:
Even though Rook fell for one of the enemy’s lies and was temporarily held captive, he was still a Prince Warrior. His choices landed him in a precarious place for a time, but his position as a Prince Warrior could never be revoked.

The same is true for you and me. When we become a part of God’s family, we will always be. There may be seasons in our lives when our choices keep us from experiencing the freedom and victory we were saved for, but our position as a child of God and as one of His Prince/Princess Warriors can never be altered. God’s grace, forgiveness, and redemption are always available.

Secret 3

When Levi realized that Rook didn’t have his boots on and couldn’t cross the chasm out of Skotos, he knew how Rook felt. He knew what it was like to feel condemned. He never wanted anyone to feel that way again. “Wait,” Levi said. He knelt down and pulled off his boots.

MEANING:
When you have experienced the rescue and grace of God, it makes you more willing to be gracious to others and to help them when in need. God’s compassion to you will make you more compassionate to others.

Secret 1

Despite Rook’s failure, Ruwach said, “Welcome home, Prince Warrior.”

MEANING:
Luke 15 tells the story of a son who walked away from the safety of his father’s home. He took his inheritance and squandered it. Like Rook, he made bad choices that put him in a bad position. Upon his return, he didn’t expect his father to receive him. He expected him to be angry. Instead, this kind father opened his arms, welcomed him, and even threw a party to celebrate. He didn’t mention his son’s ill behavior.

The same is true of our relationship with the Father. Even when we walk away from Him and don’t deserve His love, He still welcomes us back home to Him when we come in submission and repentance. He loves us and celebrates our return. This means that no matter how much of a mess we may have made, we should never hesitate to come home to God.

Secret 2

“It would be sort of nice if we had a way to… to… get instructions from the Book back home, like when we need help with stuff.”

MEANING:
We all need divine instructions every day if we are to live victoriously. The Bible is your source for direction from God so that you can stand firm against the enemy. If you have one, use it! If you don’t, get one so that you can use it and enjoy getting to know God and His plan for your victory. Also, don’t forget that there is a full year of devotionals available for you in the Unseen App!

Secret 1

Levi to Landon: “You can wear my shoes,” Levi said. “I mean, if you want to play.”

MEANING:
Extending kindness is often the pathway to spreading the news of peace to another person. In Ahoratos, Levi learned the powerful impact that sharing his shoes had on Rook’s ability to cross over to freedom. So, on earth when playing basketball with Landon, he remembered the lesson he’d learned and decided to try it. Lending Landon his shoes enabled him to build a bridge of friendship with his former nemesis. This act of kindness set the stage for him to share more with Landon about the message of peace and freedom available for him, just like it was available for Rook—and for all of us, for that matter.

Secret 2

Without Ruwach’s guidance, the messages from the Book and from the Unseen App are a maze of complex symbols. But he is able to help the Prince Warriors understand what the messages mean.

MEANING:
With the Holy Spirit’s help, you too can decode what God is saying to you. 1 John 2:27 says that the anointing you receive from God lives in you to teach you all things. When the Bible seems too difficult for you to understand, remember that the job of God’s Spirit is to help you to understand it. He is a great teacher and will begin to unscramble God’s Word. Don’t get discouraged. Pray and ask the Lord for help, and then read the book! Expect Him to speak to you through it.